October 13, 1933 – July 21, 2025
Charlie Gates, age 91, of Vincent, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 21. Born on October 13, 1933, in Vincent, Alabama, Charlie lived a full life grounded in faith, hard work, and love for his family.
He was the son of E.H. Gates and Laura Melton Gates and worked dutifully for many employers before eventually retiring from the Town of Vincent Water Board in 1996. A proud GED recipient, Charlie was known for his dependability, strong work ethic, and quiet integrity.
Throughout his life, he enjoyed owning horses, bird hunting, fishing, card games, working in his garden, flavorful food, colorful but friendly debates, and spending time with his family. He took great pride in mowing his 8-acre yard—something he was still doing just weeks ago. Charlie also enjoyed being known as the “cheese man,” a nickname he earned by handing out samples of cheese at area flea markets, where his good-natured charm made him a local favorite.
Charlie was a devoted husband to Shirley Davis Gates and a loving father to Robbie (Gerald) Greene and Kim (Michael) Pitman. He was affectionately known as “Granddaddy” to his grandchildren: Jud Greene (Jessica), Katie Grimes (Chad), Zach Earnest (Ashley), Daniel Earnest (Kathleen), and Jacob Pitman (Chloe). His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Wyatt Greene, Macy Greene, Jordan Falany, Addie Earnest, Henry Earnest, Noah Earnest, and one expected soon, who will be named Charlie Pitman.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Earl Gates Jr., J.C. Gates, and Howard Gates; and his sister, Elvie Brown.
He will be remembered most for the steady presence he provided to his family, his kindness, his humor, and the love he gave so freely. Whether you knew him as Charlie, Daddy, or Granddaddy, you knew you were in the company of someone genuine.
A memorial service will be held at Arkwright Baptist Church Cemetery in Vincent, Alabama, on Thursday, July 24, at 10 a.m. The service will be graveside only.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/sylacauga-al/radney-smith-funeral-home/8516.
Radney-Smith Funeral Home will direct the service.
